PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 828, 28 May 1910, Page 13

PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

{Ttem Gu Baudot CorrcrsondcatflJ —a ■ - OTAKL At tie Otaki Police Coart yesterday Tliomas Ayre was convicted and discharged on a charge of drunkenness, but was fined £2 for resisting the police.

•It is understood that tho erection of a Masonic Hall for Otaki will bo put m hand about the middle of next month.

The bachelors of Manakau have for some weeks past been making, preparations for a ball to cast pleasure in the' way of their fellow bachelors, spinsters, and of tho poor benedicts. Tho date fixed was last Wednesday, and no pains had been, spared to make tho hall a bower of beauty. Flags and evergreens wore everywhere, and the stage was, for the occasion, not a place of bareness, but a cosy room. Tho supper arrangements had been entrusted to Mrs. Richard Bcvau. and that meant a complete success; indeed, the supper was one of the finest ever spread in Manakau. Rain had fallen all tho afternoon, but the evening cleared up, and there was a good attendance. All were awaitiug the call of tho M.C., but instead there were mysterious whisperings and black looks from tho committee: the musician had failed to appear. Fortunately, some ladies were pressed to play, and a fast messenger was sent to Lcvui for the missing pianist, but failed to find him. Such action seems inexcusable from a man who has undertaken to play. Despite this serious drawback, a pleasant evening was spent, several present providing music. During a hockey match at Manakau on Wednesday a player named Thorne was ordered off the field for disputing the referee's decisions. Last season the same player was also warned, and it is hoped the association, of which Thorn is secretary, will deal thoroughly with the matter. \

Poultry-stealing is rife here, and one roost was recently robbed of some valuable fowls. The police have the matter in hand, and expect to run, the despoiler to earth in the course of a few days.

Manakan is shortly to lose one of its most prominent and esteemed residents, Mr. W. H. Bennett, of that place, he haying secured a farm at Mohaka, in the Hawke's Bay district. In all probability Mr. Bennett and family will bo leaving Manakan soon.

A concert, given at Waikanae on Wednesday, was a gro.it success, the items in each case being loudly oncored. Mts. Barclay was responsible for the success of the function. Tins week a, parlour "social" was hold by members of the local Methodist congregation in the Town Hall. There was a largo atteitSance and an enjoyable time was spent by those present.

SHANNON,

On Tuesday evening next the Shannon Literary and Debating Society will give a reading of the "Merchant of Venice." Mr. G. Paton, who has been stationmaster tor the past twelve months, leaves Shannon next" week to take up a similar post at To Ante (Hawko's Bay).

this week tho A. and L. Scifert Flaxdressing Company closed down three ol tho strippers at their mill at Miranu: thereby putting off a large number oi hands.

FEILDINC,

The holiday, committee, after consultation yesterday morning, decided to ask the shopkeepers to observe a 'holiday in Eoilding next I'riday. The auctioneers were afterwards "informed of the committee's action, and they adhered to their promise, agreeing to hold the weekly sale on Saturday next week June 23 will not bo observed as a holiday

lho Cheltenham and Kiwitea settlers rose to the occasion last night to do honour to,a popular settler and his family—Mr. and Mrs. William Mills, their sons, and daughters. Mr. Mills was ono of the first settlers of the Cheltenham district, and has lived on this coast for 45 years. Ho and his family aro now removing to a pastoral run in Hawke's Bay. During his long residence in Cheltenham lie has been connected with every institution, and with the Cheltenham Dairy Company from its inception till a few years ago. He nas also, chairman of the company for some years He has always been a tce. The Cheltenham Rifle Club had their range on his property, part of an lmkJ ! VM»'°P™ted for cricket and football. The sons, too, have token *Z M art M l tl,iotes > cricketers, and footballers, and as good neighbours.

CARTERTOUH

Mr W. C. Buchanan, M.P., has donated three guineas to the funds of the Wairarapa Kugby Union. A card tourney was piaved on Thursday evening between Totara Lodge, U.A.O.D. and Stonehcnge Lodge (Masterton), the contest ending in favour of the home tram by 33 to 31. After the game the evening was devoted to harmony. Master I'aul Dudson, son of Mr. J. A. Dudson, has received a cadet appointment in the Native Lands Office at Gisbornc, and v leaves here on Tuesday next. The local bowling green was formally closed on Thursday afternoon, m CU w al ?? I? lccted b ? tfl e president (Mr. \\. F. Roydhouse) and vice-pre-sident (Mr. W. H. Wh.yte) met, the last-named team winning with 91 points against 76. Tho local Gun Club has decided to hold a 'shaot" on Thursday, June 9, for the trophy presented by Mr. J Oates, president. Messrs. H. Catt and C. S. Beechey will be the handicappers.